Gentius was the last king of the Illyrians, a group of tribes located in the western part of the Balkans. He ruled during the 2nd century BC and is known for his conflicts with the expanding Roman Republic. His reign marked a significant period in Illyrian history as it faced increasing pressure from Roman military campaigns. In 168 BC, Gentius was defeated by the Romans, leading to the annexation of Illyria into the Roman Empire. Following his defeat, he was captured and taken to Rome, where he was paraded in a triumph and later died in captivity. His defeat symbolized the end of Illyrian independence.